After May 4, when the lockdown is over, when will masks be mandatory? Always or only indoors? And will self-certification still be needed for travel (on foot or by car)? Will we be able to run again in public parks? When will the shops reopen? These and other questions will be answered by the new decree of the Prime Minister (Dpcm) that Giuseppe Conte, in an interview with Republic, assures to be on the way. The problem is that there are still divisions within the government on some key points of the measure. We assess the situation.
MASKS
Certainly, the use of the mask will be mandatory on public transport, in shops, offices, in any workplace and even outdoors, at least in places where it will not be possible to keep at least one meter away from other people. For walking or running on the street, however, the decree should not establish any obligation: the government could limit itself to a "strong recommendation" to wear a mask. In the regions most affected by the contagion, however, the governors could establish more restrictive rules. In any case, the prices of the masks will be calmed and the poor will get them for free.
SELF-CERTIFICATION
The travel issue is the most divisive within government. Some believe that after 4 May citizens should be allowed to move freely, maintaining self-certification only for travel outside the region (admitted, at least throughout May, only for reasons of work, health or urgent need), while others think it is safer to confirm the system currently in force at least for another two weeks.
TRANSPORTATION
Public transport will have to travel at more than halved capacity: in this way social distancing will be guaranteed on buses, trams and subways, but of course the effectiveness of the public service will be compromised. The (paradoxical) risk is to create queues at the stations and therefore gatherings.
As for longer journeys, thermoscaners and dispensers of disinfectant gel, gloves and masks will be installed at airports and all railway stations.
RUN TO THE PARK
Public parks will reopen from 4 May and it will be allowed to start running and cycling again even away from home. Children will be able to play accompanied by a parent in delimited areas and in limited numbers, keeping at least one meter from the others. Those who live near the sea or a lake will be able to swim, always with the obligation of distancing.
SHOPS
The date of the reopening of the shops is still more uncertain than ever. From 4 May, the final activities of some authorized supply chains may reopen, while the others may have to wait until 18 or 25 May. In this case, day X for bars and restaurants would be postponed to early June. According to the Scientific Technical Committee, reopenings should be spaced out by at least 2-3 weeks to monitor the effects of the first resumption of activities.
